Lancome's Ombre Absolue shadow in Erica F (right) is one of my go-to shadows for night, for those times when I can't be fecked thinking up some snazz new combo or purely when I want a colour and formula that I trust and which suits me. Grey shadows seem to flatter most skintones and this is a great grey: olive-shot and shiny, it's not a horrid frost, but gives a glam glimmer to lids and is beautiful. Plus, it goes with every lipstick shade too.
So when two more Ombre Absolue shadows appeared in a communikay containing press samples from Lancome, I took note. Strass Amethyst and Strass Black are not what you'd call cheap at €23.50 a pop, but they're going to be excellent bedfellows for anyone who likes a higher-end smokey eye. On the decent side of medium-pigmented, they've got two different finishes and lots of grown-up sparkle.
This is Strass Amethyst and it's the most similar to the consistency and satin finish of Erica F. Not quite as smooth and with some visible silver glitter when blended out, it is a really great shade and will make for a lovey soft, blended smokey finish. I didn't own a shadow this precise shade so am looking forward to playing with it. I do think it has the potential to make me look a bit tired, so some experimentation along with the black is called for, methinks
Strass Black has a matte base and visible glitter. As such, it's chalkier in texture and not so easy to move about on the skin. That said, it is very workable, buildable and sheers out very well.
Advertised
And this is the old reliable. I really do love this one but the price is off-putting. If it's a factor - and it will be for many - then check out Gosh's trio in T R13 which contains a very good dupe for this shade.
Here are the swatches under natural lighting. From left-to-right we have Erika F, Strass Amethyst and Strass Black.
And again under artificial light.
Advertised
ON A BUDGET
If you really don't want to or can't bear to part with over €20 for a single shadow then you definitely don't have to. We've mentioned them so many times before but 17's solo shadows deserve so much love for their teensy weensey price and brilliant results. Check out a trio of them we've reviewed before and right now there are also some trios in store that will be brilliant for Christmas peepers.
